Siemens' £8 million Energy Service Training Centre was opened in 2011 by Lord Willis of Knaresborough to provide a unique in-house training environment for service technicians working on both fossil and renewable power plants. It will play a key role in the preparation for Round 3 commitments as a centre for excellence for the development of skills and the delivery of comprehensive safety and technical training.

The clear commitment to skills and training has drawn attention from many high profile ministers, media, customers and educational institutions. In March 2012, Siemens hosted a visit to the Training Centre for Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Deputy Prime Minister, and Vince Cable, Business Secretary. The visit, which coincided with the Liberal Democrats spring conference in Gateshead, was focused on skills and apprenticeships. Siemens, as a major employer in the North East, was selected as a leading example of a major engineering and manufacturing employer, which puts skills and training at the centre of its business. This was followed in May by a visit from the Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna, who was equally impressed with the investment.

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Deputy Prime Minister

As the Renewables industry expands and Round 3 developments progress, the current shortfall in engineers will be become more apparent. Siemens has addressed this demand early by investing in an in-house resource to develop the skills and talent needed for the future. Its thriving apprenticeship programme remains highly competitive as the North East’s young people see the value in a hands-on approach to education and, in particular, the huge opportunities in wind power.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said of his visit: "Our visit to the Siemens Training Centre in Newcastle has helped highlight the positive role that industry can play in training the next generation of engineers, which the country will need. Siemens’ investment in and commitment to skills and training is very impressive. The apprentices we met today were positive and fully engaged in their tasks and well aware of the value of pursuing a vocational path and the career opportunities that lie ahead for them."